Napier

New Zealand Tablet, 17 April 1919, Page 13

Napier

(From our own correspondent.) / April 12. A very successful social in aid of the French Red Cross and organised by Mrs. F. Moeller, was held in Princess Hall, Napier, on Wednesday last, when there were some 70 couples present. As a result of this effort a substantial sum will be handed "over to this worthy fund. An official welcome home was on Wednesday night last accorded the returned soldiers of the Taradale district, some thirty of whom were present at the entertainment, which took the form of a social evening. The speakers included Father Hickson, who said it had taken the. South African and the recent war to show the qualities of the New Zealanders and he hoped that New Zealand would never give them cause to regret their service abroad. In the Easter competitions, which commence in Napier this week, a number of convent pupils.have entered in the various sections. Among these are: Church choir—St. Joseph's Native School Choir and St. Joseph's Convent Boarding' School Choir; School choir—Sacred Heart High School Choir, St. Joseph's Native School Choir; instrumental (piano)— Misses E. Sattler, B. Fades, K. Dineen, Lett M. Berry, Doolan, R. McGrath, M. Dallow, E. Kirk, and a number of Maori girls. In the violin section Miss Latapie and Miss M. Collison have both entered. Miss K. Mullany and Miss B. Dallow, also Mr. J. Mullany, have entered in several of the dancing sections.

The mission which was in progress at Hastings for two weeks concluded on Sunday, March 30. There was a general Communion on that morning, the Hibernian Society members attending in regalia. The sight was an impressive one. Throughout the mission the services were very largely attended, and it was gratifying to note that right through the services were attended by a very large percentage of men. At the evening vices many outsiders came to hear the eloquent sermons preached by the two very able missionaries, and on many occasions the seating accommodation in the .church proved absolutely inadequate. When the mission had been in progress for a little over a week over 4000 had received Holy Communion,-and no doubt much lasting good will be the result of this mission which is said to be the jnost successful one held in this district for a very considerable period. A five days’ mission was also given at the Clive church by Father Ainsworth, and was also considered highly successful. The much-appreciated mission commenced' at St. Mary s Church, Port Ahuriri, on Sunday last, and will continue for a week. All services are being well attended. It is being conducted by both Missioners, Fathers O’Leary and Ainsworth. It is also intended to give brief missions at the smaller districts of Maraekakaho, Paki-Paki, etc., at a later date.